Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's Religion and Religious Studies programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at $17,139 annually to University of St Thomas at $30,525. The state's 12 programs include several Lutheran-affiliated institutions reflecting Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage, with Bethany Lutheran College offering one of the most affordable private options at $17,680. Graduates typically earn $29,685, while the Twin Cities area's large nonprofit sector and faith-based healthcare organizations like Allina Health provide meaningful career paths for religious studies majors seeking roles in chaplaincy, social services, and community outreach.

Programs

$17,139 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$29,685

Avg. Program Earnings

72.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
2	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
3	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
4	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
5	St Olaf College Northfield, Minnesota	$22,752	$56,970	83.5%	56.4%
6	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
7	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
8	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
9	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
10	Carleton College Northfield, Minnesota	$27,320	$65,457	91.2%	16.6%
11	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
12	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $13,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $17,139 as a public institution with state funding, while private colleges like University of St Thomas charge $30,525. Private religious colleges typically offer smaller class sizes and faith-integrated curricula that drive higher costs.

How do graduation rates vary among Minnesota's most affordable religious studies programs?

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with an 84.8% graduation rate despite being the cheapest option. Among private schools under $25,000, graduation rates range from Augsburg University's 52.4% to Saint Mary's 67.7%.

Is Carleton College worth considering despite its higher net cost of $27,320?

Carleton offers strong outcomes with a 91.2% graduation rate and highly selective 16.6% acceptance rate. The college's academic reputation often justifies the premium for students seeking graduate school preparation.

Does Minnesota's job market support religious studies graduates beyond traditional ministry roles?

Minnesota's large nonprofit sector and healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic employ religious studies graduates in chaplaincy, ethics, and patient advocacy roles. The state's 29,685 median earnings reflect opportunities in social services and interfaith organizations.

More Religion/Religious Studies Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.